Design styles are ever-changing, but many of us are drawn to certain looks in our homes. Do you love the clean lines of mid-century design but also appreciate the cozy feel of a traditional space? Or maybe you prefer a more moody, modern aesthetic. Luckily, it's easy to mix design styles to create a space that is unique to you and your family and ultimately achieve a desired feeling for your space. In this blog post, we'll explore how to mix four popular design styles: Moody, Modern, Traditional, and Mid-Century. By mixing and matching different elements from each style, you can create a look that is truly your own.
Defining Each Style - Moody, Modern, Traditional, Mid-Century
Whether you’re creating a cozy living space or a modern kitchen, understanding the different design styles can help you create the perfect ambiance.
Moody style is composed of dark shades complemented by carefully selected lighting fixtures. Contrasts are incorporated through furnishings and decor, while texture is thoughtfully included to create a more dynamic look.
Modern style is characterized by a clean and minimal look with geometric vertical and horizontal lines, natural materials, and a neutral color palette.
Traditional interiors exude timeless elegance with the incorporation of wooden elements, symmetrical designs, ornate details, classic art, and velvet upholstery.
Mid-century style is characterized by combining sharp lines and geometric shapes with a mix of neutral colors and bright hues, as well as incorporating elements from nature into the design.
With these distinct design styles described, we can now talk about combining these styles.
Mix & Match Styles
With moody, modern, traditional, and mid-century design styles, the overall vibe is moody, simple, and textured.
To mix these styles, start by deciding on common features like the color palette. With these four styles, you can stick to a neutral color palette or go bold and embrace color.
Then focus on the details and look to incorporate a few different elements from each style to create a curated look that reflects your individual style. That may look like clean lines, upholstered furniture, and darker textiles or it may look like including traditional finishes with modern lighting and warm wood elements. To achieve balance, it's important to use more than one piece from each style - try to incorporate multiple elements and details for a stunning, curated look.
Examples of Style Mixing
By mixing elements of moody, modern, and traditional, you can take your kitchen to the next level—for example, take a look at these kitchens which incorporate moody hues, clean lines, and natural wood elements.
Design: Eric Olsen, Photo: Dwell Creative Studio
Design: FJORD Interieurs
Design: A1000xBetter, Photo: Alex Zarour
You can create a moody and textured bedroom with these styles such as this example which uses moody blues combined with cognac leather and some traditional lighting and furnishings.
Design: Sean Anderson Design
For a cozy living space, mixing these styles may look like using traditional furnishings mixed with clean-lined modern architectural details and decor such as this space.
Design: Mark Ashby Design
The possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing these styles!
A Final Tip for Creating Your Own Unique Style
There’s something incredibly special about creating a certain feeling in your home that embraces your personal design style – whether it be a blend of moody, modern, traditional, mid-century, or other styles. Don't be afraid to mix styles throughout a room and your home. With the right accessories and furnishings, you can curate a space that feels undeniably yours.
We hope this post inspired you to experiment with different looks in your own home. If you’re still unsure of which style or styles suit you best, take our design style quiz to help narrow down your options.
